Hakim al Umma Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (Allah have mercy on him) once mentioned:

When a person takes someone as his Shaykh or religious guide, then in order for him to benefit from the Shaykh, he will have to fulfil three essential requirements. These three requirements are among the rights which he owes to the Shaykh and should be borne in mind at all times. These requirements are:

• He should have faith (I’tiqaad) in him i.e. he should have love and respect for him and accept him to be a pious, rightly guided person who follows the sunnah.

• He should have trust (I’timaad) in him i.e. he should have confidence in the guidance and knowledge he imparts and regard him capable of guiding him correctly in Deeni matters.

• He should submit (Inqiyaad) to him i.e. he should follow the advices and teachings of the Shaykh diligently with complete commitment and dedication.

(Malfoozaat Hakeemul Ummat 23/77)

Source:ihyaauddeen.co.za

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